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Your Ultimate Guide to Celebrating the King Charles III Coronation in Essex and London
Plan your perfect celebration with our expert recommendations.
As the nation prepares to celebrate the long-awaited coronation of King Charles III, it's time to plan your own celebrations in style. Essex and London are home to some of the most vibrant and exciting events and activities to honor the occasion. Whether you're a resident or visitor, there is something for everyone to enjoy. In this guide, we'll take a look at the best events, attractions, and activities to make the most of this historic moment.
Royal Exhibitions and Tours
See the King and Queen Consort
After the service on Saturday 6th May, don't miss the chance to see the newly crowned King and Queen Consort pass by in the 1762 Gold State Coach during their grand procession from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace. Millions of people are expected to be lining the streets for The King's Procession.
From here at Roydon Marina Village, you can easily arrive on the streets of London in just an hour's time. Simply take the train from Roydon station to London Liverpool Street, then catch the London Underground to Westminster.
Tour the Tower of London
Explore London's iconic castle. Built in 1078 and once an infamous prison, there is lots of rich history to learn.
Yeoman Warder tours are the best way to experience the Tower of London and learn stories from every corner of the fortified site. See where treacherous enemies of previous monarchs lost their lives, learn about the prisoners who entered through Traitors' Gate, and meet the famous resident ravens, known as the guardians of the fortress.
From Royal to Red Carpet
Kensington Palace has just launched its largest exhibition to date: Crown to Couture. Enjoy an immersive journey through the powerful fashion of the Georgian era and see how it has inspired today's most iconic red-carpet looks.
You'll see intricate and detailed historical garments worn by monarchs including the famously fashionable Charles II, alongside modern masterpieces - from the MTV awards to the Met Gala, from Lady Gaga to Lizzo.
Directed by Alexander McQueen’s production designer Joseph Bennett, you can expect to be amazed by the fashionable world of the royal Georgian court.
Madame Tussaud's London
Take a selfie with the King and Queen Consort! At Madame Tussaud's London you can enjoy immersive experiences and get up close with more than 250 lifelike figures of your favorite celebrities and royals.
This spring, you can enter The Royal Palace and have a spot of afternoon tea or wave at the cheering crowds on the Royal Balcony, meet the Prince and Princess of Wales and have your audience with the king and Queen Consort in the Throne Room.
A photo with the royal family would make a perfect souvenir to remember the special occasion.
Another London exhibition sure to interest history lovers and monarchists alike is Style and Society: Dressing the Georgians.
The 1700s were a revolutionary period of trade, travel and technology which influenced fashion trends across all levels of society. This exhibition explores what the Georgian fashion, displaying a series of archival pieces and fine art collections in The Queen's Gallery in Buckingham Palace.
Royal-Themed Events and Activities
Receive the Royal Treatment in Mayfair
Don't miss out on Mayfair's Secret Garden Party in honour of the new Monarch this bank holiday weekend.
Grosvenor Square is being transformed into a magical urban garden inspired by Alice in Wonderland, where you can soak up the spring sunshine, sip some themed cocktails and watch the coronation on the cinema screens dotted across the greenery.
Take a Coronation Cruise on the Thames
With City Cruises, you can enjoy some of the most iconic landmarks of London on a coronation-themed sightseeing cruise! From Monday 17 April to Monday 8 May.
Their Afternoon Tea Cruises will feature some special sweet treats for the occasion, and exciting royal themed activities for children.
Celebrate in Covent Garden
There’s enough happening in Covent Garden to keep your whole family entertained all bank holiday weekend!
From a traditional British pub garden in the centre of the piazza, perfect for people watching and pints in the sun, to a new art installation curated by Instagram-famous graffiti artist Jimmy C.
You'll also find live music performances and eclectic entertainment, while bars will be serving the best of British beer, cider and gin. And when you're feeling peckish, there will be some British sausage rolls, classic ploughman's boards and trifles available.
Attend the Coronation Concert
On the evening of Sunday 7 May, the day after the coronation procession and ceremony, there will be a coronation concert with a spectacular light show taking place on the grounds of Windsor Castle.
While the lineup is still to be confirmed, we’re anticipating an eclectic mix of talented entertainers, from some of your favourite popstars to famous faces in the realms of theatre and dance. Rumour has it that Lionel Richie and Sir Paul McCartney will be performing.
If you can't make it down to the historic town of Windsor, you can still catch the concert broadcast live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds.
Explore one of London's Most Iconic Streets
A visit to Carnaby Street this coronation weekend is a must! You can expect to find some of the tastiest street food in London, live roaming music and popular bars spilling out onto the street.
Just in time for the coronation, Carnaby Street has unveiled some exciting installations including a shimmering red and silver arch and a glistening Union Jack below a floating crown.
This is sure to be one of the biggest Instagram hotspots in London over the bank holiday weekend, so try and get there before the crowds.
Dining Like Royalty
Coronation Afternoon Tea at the Boathouse Cafe Bar
Join us at the Boathouse Cafe Bar at Roydon Marina Village on Saturday 6th May for a coronation party to remember!
We'll be showing the coronation live on TV and serving a Coronation Afternoon Tea For Two from 12pm, including sandwiches, cream cakes, strawberries, tea and coffee all for £15, or £20 if you'd like to add two glasses of prosecco.
You can also treat yourself to a Traditional Pimm's for £10.50 a jug.
More Coronation Afternoon Teas
What better way to celebrate than with a coronation-themed afternoon tea? There are lots of regal menus popping up all over London, from traditional British favourites to dishes with a focus on sustainability, following the King's own ethos.
The Cellarium Cafe and Terrace in Westminster Abbey will be serving British produce with a focus on sustainability, reflecting the King's own ethos, starting from £32.50 per person.
The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason have curated a special afternoon tea with a focus on British flavours and the King's favourite ingredients.
At Grosvenor House in Mayfair, the pastry chef has created five limited-edition pastries to represent London and the countries that make up the United Kingdom, to take you on a flavourful journey of the UK. This coronation afternoon tea starts from £62.50 per person.
The Rubens at The Palace in Victoria will be serving a a delightful affair steeped in traditional British flavours, including a colourful array of sweet and sticky cakes and pastries - even a delicate crown made from Opalys white chocolate and a cherry chocolate brownie. This coronation afternoon tea is £70 per person or £35 per child under 12. On the day of his coronation there will be an extra special six-course afternoon tea where you'll receive a commemorative tea tin to take home, for £120 per person or £55 per child under 12.
The Biscuiteers at Notting Hill and Belgravia are offering a quintessentially British coronation afternoon tea with coronation themed iced biscuits to round off the experience. This starts at £45 per person, with the option to add a DIY icing experience to your booking if you fancy.
Five Course Dinner Fit For a King
One of London’s best restaurants with a view, the award-winning Galvin at Windows on the 28th floor of London Hilton Park Lane, is serving up an indulgent five-course menu specially designed for the King's coronation.
You can expect creatively named innovative dishes such as ‘herbs and flowers’, an ode to Highgrove, and ‘garden patch’, seasonal vegetables in reference to the King’s love of gardening. And make sure you leave room for one of His Majesty’s favourite desserts, lemon cream served with raspberries and meringue.
Coronation Dinner at Cheneston's
At Cheneston's at The Milestone Hotel in Kensington, you can always expect intimate and elegant fine dining with delicious British cuisine. Treat yourself to an excellent nine course tasting menu for one week only in May.
You'll enjoy a lineup of perfectly curated dishes made with the finest British ingredients, and elevate the experience with an optional wine pairing.
The nine-course tasting menu is available for £125 per person.
Where to Stay Near London
Roydon Marina Village
Why not treat yourselves to a family getaway this coronation weekend? It's the perfect excuse.
Nestled in Lee Valley Park on the edge of Epping Forest, our hot tub lodges at Roydon Marina Village are perfect for a luxury countryside retreat with your family, friends and loved ones.
We have 2-3 bedroom luxury hot tub lodges including some dog friendly lodges, so you can bring your four legged friend along too!
Don't settle for London prices or the noisy hustle and bustle of the city. Roydon Marina Village offers luxury accommodation near London, with the added benefit of being situated in the tranquil countryside.
Just a 30 minute train journey will take you to London city centre, so you can enjoy all the coronation fun and return to your peaceful hot tub lodge.
The coronation of King Charles III will be a historic moment, and Essex and London are the perfect places to celebrate in style. From royal exhibitions and tours to exciting events and activities, there is something for everyone. By following this guide, you'll be able to plan the ultimate celebration that you will remember for years to come!